We all know the sun can burn our skin—but did you know it can damage your hair too? That’s right. Just like your skin, your hair and scalp need protection from the sun’s powerful rays.
In sunny San Jose, California, we love being outdoors—hiking in Alum Rock Park, enjoying a walk downtown, or heading to the beach. But too much sun without proper care can leave your hair dry, weak, and even discolored.
Let’s talk about how to protect your hair from sun damage, so you can enjoy the sunshine and keep your hair healthy and beautiful.
☀️ What Does Sun Damage Do to Hair?
When your hair is exposed to too much sun, it can:
Dry out and lose moisture
Fade in color (especially if it's dyed)
Become brittle or break easily
Cause a dry, itchy scalp
Lead to split ends
Hair is made of protein, and UV rays break down that protein over time. The result? Dull, weak, and lifeless strands.
🌞 Easy Ways to Protect Your Hair From the Sun
1. Wear a Hat or Scarf The easiest way to protect your hair is to cover it up.✅ Wide-brimmed hats or lightweight scarves work great✅ Choose UV-protective fabrics for even more safety
2. Use Hair Products With UV Protection Some shampoos, leave-in sprays, and creams have built-in sun protection.✅ Look for labels that say "UV filter" or "sun shield"✅ Reapply products if you’re outside for hours
3. Avoid Midday SunThe sun is strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.✅ Try to stay in the shade during these peak hours✅ If you’re out and about, wear your protective gear
4. Keep Hair Moisturized Sun dries out your strands, so hydration is key.✅ Use a moisturizing conditioner or hair mask weekly✅ Leave-in conditioners are great for daily use
5. Rinse After Swimming Chlorine and saltwater can make sun damage even worse.✅ Rinse your hair with fresh water after swimming✅ Use a gentle shampoo and deep conditioner after a beach or pool day
6. Skip the Hot Tools on Sunny Days Using curling irons or straighteners on already sun-damaged hair can lead to even more breakage.✅ Let your hair air dry✅ Try heatless hairstyles like braids or buns
🌤 Bonus Tip: Eat for Hair Health
Eating the right foods helps your hair grow strong from the inside out!
Add omega-3s (like salmon or chia seeds)
Eat iron-rich foods like spinach
Stay hydrated with plenty of water
Protecting Your Hair Is Easy—You Just Need the Right Habits
You don’t have to stay inside to keep your hair healthy. A few simple steps—like wearing a hat, using UV-protecting products, and moisturizing regularly—can make a big difference.
At New Look Institute, we are experts on scalp health, trichology, and hair restoration right here in San Jose. If your hair is feeling dry, damaged, or not growing like it used to, our team is here to help. We’ll find the root cause and create a custom plan just for you.
Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how to protect and restore your hair, no matter the season.
